Brooklyn—A new Jewish charter school plans to open here this September despite numerous community objections.
The school, formally known as The Nonsectarian, Egalitarian, All-Inclusive, Bipartisan, and Just a Little Bit Jewish Academy, has been nicknamed BJ, for Barely Jewish, and granted accreditation by the New York State Board of Regents.
Many parents and educators feel the school’s curriculum lacks sufficient Jewish substance. For example, it will include a course on Jewish holidays, but the only one to be taught will be Presidents’ Weekend, known for major department store sales.
Neither the Hebrew language nor the land of Israel will be studied, and there will be a strict quota on the number of Jewish students admitted. But officials said children will be required to memorize European-born sociologist Abraham Linsky’s little-known “Ghettos-berg Address,” which was 2501 Yidden Street, Pinsk.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
